‘Slow crawl’ but bands ready to rock live crowds since lockdown
Bands are back for post-COVID crowds as venue numbers are allowed to peak to 75. The industry says it’s the start to a slow crawl back to normal life. Here’s where the gigs are starting.
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Local musicians will take the stage tonight for the first time since coronavirus lockdown, playing live to sellout crowds of up to 75 patrons, as authorities consider increasing licenced venue crowd numbers.
The State Government’s transition committee meets again next week to debate easing the density restrictions of venues, which could allow one person every 2sq m rather than the current one patron per 4sq m.
COVID-19 restrictions were further eased today, allowing maximum occupancy limits per room in a venue to increase from 20 to 75 people, capped at 300 patrons.
It meant pub and hotels could open their doors to larger live audiences for the first time since March, as the industry clawed back losses of more than $8 million.
Keno, TAB and bingo were tonight allowed within pubs and clubs, while billiards or darts could also be played.
Patrons, however, must not drink or eat while using equipment.
Chief public health officer Professor Nicola Spurrier said the rules were designed to reduce the spread of any disease such as COVID-19.
From tomorrow, ticketed patrons must remain seated at tables 1.5m apart. The dance floor is off limits and staff will monitor social distancing.
Premier Steven Marshall said yesterday any easing of density would apply to larger venues and small bars.
“We are also very, very seriously changing the number of people permitted into our licensed premises, whether that be small venues or the larger venues,” he said.
“We are looking at this issue of density. I think we are moving in a direction that will provide further relief to hospitality venues.
“We have done extraordinarily well in South Australia and I think there needs to be some reward.”
Three-man cover band Acoustic Fix is playing at the Norwood Hotel just before 8pm tonight.
It will be the first live band there since lockdown more than 90 days ago.
“It’s going to be unbelievable,” said ban member Joe Germinario. “It’s going to be one, big buzz.
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“There is nothing like the instant feedback from a live audience – people smiling, singing along and dancing around.”
Acoustic Fix was playing live regularly in pubs and hotels across the state, as well as private and corporate functions, before the COVID-19 shutdown.
Tomorrow, Dave Gleeson from The Screaming Jets will play live to 75 people at The Gov, where two more bands are booked for next week.
“We are hoping people will come out and support live music,” The Gov spokeswoman Sarah Martin said.
“It’s important not just for the venue but to get artists back to the stage.”
Music SA chief executive Lisa Bishop said the state’s music industry had lost $8 million in cancelled events.